Missionary position

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This article is about the sex position. For the book by Christopher Hitchens, see The Missionary
Position.

The missionary position

The missionary position is a "man-on-top" sex position

usually described as the act in which the woman lies on her
back and the partners face each other. Though often acted on
and applied by heterosexual pairings, it may also be used by
gay and lesbian couples.[1]

The missionary position is an example of ventro-ventral

copulation.[2] Variations of the position allow varying
degrees of vaginal tightness, clitoral stimulation, depth of
penetration, participation on the part of the woman, and likelihood and speed of orgasm.

A common myth states that the term "missionary position" arose in response to Christian
missionaries, who taught that the position was the only proper way to engage in sexual
intercourse. This explanation probably originated from Alfred Kinsey's Sexual Behavior in the
Human Male through a confluence of misunderstandings and misinterpretations of historical
documents. However, prior to Kinsey, at least in Western civilization, writing about sex and sex
positions was largely forbidden and so the absence of references to that term may reflect that, not
the absence of use of the phrase. One must ask why the term missionary, rather than clergymen
generally.[3][4] Tuscans refer to the position as "The Angelic Position" while some Arabic-
speaking groups call it "the manner of serpents."[5]

The missionary position is often preferred by couples who enjoy its romantic qualities afforded
by copious skin-to-skin contact and opportunities to look into each other's eyes and kiss and
caress each other. The position is also believed to be a good position for procreation.[6][7] In
heterosexual sex, missionary allows the man to take charge of the rhythm and depth of thrusting.
It is also possible for her to thrust against him by moving her hips or pushing her feet against the
bed, or squeeze him closer with her arms or legs. The position is less suitable for late stages of
pregnancy, or when it is desired for the woman to have greater control over rhythm and depth of
penetration.
Contents
[hide]

 1 History
o 1.1 Etymology
 2 Basic position
 3 Variants
o 3.1 Legs up
o 3.2 Riding high
 4 Perceived advantages and disadvantages
o 4.1 Psychological
o 4.2 Physical
 5 Popularity
 6 See Also
 7 References

[edit] History

Ancient Greek pottery art, where legs are placed on shoulders.

See also: History of human sexuality

The missionary position appears in ancient artwork of the Romans, Peruvians, Indians, Chinese
and Japanese. The position has been used at least for millennia if not longer since it is also used
by the great apes,[8][9] as well as other primates.[10] Robert Francoeur notes that evidence of the
missionary position's use appears in ancient pottery and art in the Fertile Crescent as well as in
the art of Early Greeks, Romans, Peruvians, Indians, Chinese and Japanese. [11] The majority of
the positions described in the Kama Sutra involve the woman lying on her back with her legs in a
variety of positions.[12] According to Canongate, ancient art shows missionary as being less
popular than woman-on-top positions in Ur, Greece, Rome, Peru, India, China and Japan. [13] But
Francoeur states that the ancient Chinese preferred male-on-top because of their belief that males
are born face down and women face up. Kagaba natives in Colombia preferred missionary
because of the stability it offers; they believed that if the woman moved during intercourse, the
earth would slip off the shoulders of the four giants who held it up above the waters. [11] Some
Kerala tribes believe that the male-on-top position is the only way to conceive warriors.[11]

In Greece, the missionary position was originally an unpopular position. Beds existed, yet not as
we know them today, and men married girls 14 or 15 years of age, which created a height
differential. These factors made the rear-entry standing position more convenient. [14] However,
circa the second century, Artemidos popularized the missionary position among Greco-Roman
Stoics, declaring it "the only proper and natural" position due to the flow of semen.

Although the Bible does not mention sexual positions, from the 6th to 16th centuries, Church
authorities taught that intercourse should be face-to-face, man-on-top, primarily because they
believed that semen flows with gravity, leading to conception. [15] Exceptions were made for
couples dealing with illness, obesity, or pregnancy. The medieval Catholic Church observed that
animals copulated in the dorso-ventral ("doggy style") position, and concluded that it was
unnatural to humans. According to John Bancroft's Human Sexuality and Its Problems, Thomas
Aquinas believed that crimes against nature included intercourse in "unnatural" positions, with
the missionary position being considered the only natural one. [16] Benjamin Shepard wrote: "for
Aquinas, any sexual act other than missionary position intercourse – man on top of woman – was
assumed to be a sin of irrational gratification, of lust." [17] Protestants did not communicate proper
sex positions, and the Catholic Church eventually abandoned its discourse on the topic. [18] Simon
Hardy wrote that the missionary position was used to distinguish "bestial and civilized sex."[19]

Others who held that missionary was the only permitted position included Alexander of Hales
and the author of De secretis mulierum[clarification needed], who suggested that nonstandard positions
might result in birth defects.[20] Ruth Mazo Karras states that William Peraldus' treatise Summa
de virtutibus et vitiis distinguished between sins against nature that were "according to the
substance" (intercourse other than vaginal) and "according to the manner, as when a woman
mounts."[21] Nicholas Venette's 1770s-era sex manual praised the missionary position as the
"common posture...which is most allowable and most voluptuous." [22] Numerous sources have
reported that in the United States, some states had outlawed positions other than missionary
between husband and wife, or will grant a divorce to a woman whose husband makes love to her
in another position. While many states formerly outlawed oral sex, anal sex, buggery, or other
"unnatural" acts, no US law has banned dorso-ventral heterosexual sex, or specified which
partner needed to be on top.[23]

[edit] Etymology

Before the release of Alfred Kinsey's work, the missionary position was known by several
names, including "the matrimonial", "the Mama-Papa position", "the English-American
position", and "the male superior position". [24] In 1948, Kinsey published the male volume of the
Kinsey Reports, Sexual Behavior in the Human Male. He described the American preference for
the position and called it "the English-American position." Discussing Malinowski's The Sexual
Life of Savages in North-Wester Melanesia, Kinsey wrote, "It will be recalled that Malinowski
(1929) records the nearly universal use of a totally different position among the Trobrianders ...
[and] ... that caricatures of the English-American position are performed around ... campfires, to
the great amusement of the natives who refer to the position as the 'missionary position.'" [24] To
date, lexicographers and sexologists have not found use of the term "missionary position" prior
to Kinsey.[25]

In 2001, Robert Priest examined the origins of the term and concluded that Kinsey had confused
several factors in accidentally coining the term.[24] First, according to Malinowski, Trobrianders
played and sang mocking songs under the full moon, and not around a campfire. In Sexual
Behaviors, Kinsey wrote that the Trobrianders mocked face-to-face man-on-top woman-below
intercourse, but does not give context. He mentioned the position was learned from "white
traders, planters, or officials", but does not discuss missionaries. Kinsey also recalled that the
medieval Catholic Church taught the position, and upon seeing the natives mocking it, assumed
that missionaries had taught it to them. Finally, Malinowski wrote that he saw an engaged
Trobriand couple holding hands and leaning against each other, which the natives described as
misinari si bubunela — the "missionary fashion." Upon accidentally combining these similar
facts, Kinsey invented a new phrase despite believing that he was reporting an old one.[24]

From then on, the story of the name's "origin" was retold until it became largely accepted, and its
connection to Kinsey and Malinowski faded. Writers began using the expression for intercourse
in the late 1960s, and as Alex Comfort's bestseller The Joy of Sex (1972) and the Oxford English
Dictionary (1976) spread the term "missionary position", it gradually replaced older names. [26]
By the 1990s, it had spread to other languages: Missionarsstellung (German), postura del
misionero (Spanish), missionarishouding (Dutch) and position du missionaire (French).[27]

[edit] Basic position

Basic position involves ventral-ventral contact with the man penetrating from top
Pillows are often used in this position.

During intercourse in the missionary position, the woman lies on her back, with her legs either
spread flat, drawn up toward the chest, or wrapped around the penetrating partner. The woman
can wrap one or both of her legs around the man at various heights: at the back of his legs, at the
buttocks or back, or over his shoulders. Generally, the higher the woman lifts her legs, the deeper
the penetration. The man lies on his belly on top of the woman, with his legs between the
receiving partner's legs, and his penis at the same level as the woman's vagina to facilitate
penetration. Pillows (especially firm ones) are commonly used in the missionary position.[28] A
wedge- or ramp-shaped pillow can relieve pressure on the top person's hands and arms, [29] and
strategic placement can manipulate the depth and angle of penetration. Placing a pillow under the
woman's buttocks can lift her pelvis — a Playboy article suggested placing it under her hips to
increase pressure on the clitoris,[30] and Men's Health recommended placing it under the small of
her back;[31] each of these methods grants deeper penetration. Raising the clitoris generally
allows easier access to it in this position. Using a pillow can also help the woman arch her back
and avoid backache.[32]

An MRI study determined that during sexual intercourse in the missionary position, the penis is
in preferential contact with the anterior wall of the vagina and the tip of the penis reaches the
anterior fornix, while in the rear-entry position it is in preferential contact with the posterior wall
of the vagina and probably reaches the posterior fornix.[33]

[edit] Variants
[edit] Legs up
This type of legs up missionary, called "the anvil", allows the deepest possible penetration.

"Legs-up" variants involve the woman raising her legs. These were exceptionally popular in
Ancient Greece and were commonly depicted on Attic pottery of the Classical Period. [34] The
conspiring women in Aristophanes' Lysistrata likely refer to it when they take an oath "not to lift
high their Persian slippers" (οὐ πρὸς τὸν ὄροφον ἀνατενῶ τὼ Περσικά ou pros ton orophon
anateuō tō Persika).[35]

In one variant, the woman may lift and slightly bend her legs, resting her feet flat on the
mattress. This shortens the distance between the vagina and cervix, and can apply more friction
to the G-Spot.[citation needed] The woman may find this more comfortable than the standard position,
[36]
and it can allow her to push against the man's thrust, giving her some control over the rhythm.
[37]

Placing the woman's legs on or over the man's shoulders provides the deepest possible
penetration. This variant is sometimes called "the anvil". [38] This position aims the head of the
penis at the posterior fornix. When the legs are held mid-level in this way, the penis can achieve
great depth while stimulating the G-spot and achieving more friction on the top of its shaft. [citation
needed]

[edit] Riding high

See also: Coital alignment technique

In the riding high missionary variant, the man enters the woman in the normal fashion but then
shifts his body up and forward toward her head. He then rocks back and forth, stimulating her
clitoris with his pelvic bone, or base of his penis. This results in more consistent clitoral
stimulation at the cost of a man's deep thrusting; accordingly, some men prefer to use it during
only part of sex.[39]

[edit] Perceived advantages and disadvantages

[edit] Psychological

There are many appealing psychological aspects of the missionary position. It is often regarded
as a romantic position because the man and woman face each other and may maintain eye
contact; there is potentially a greater amount of skin-to-skin contact than in any other position;
and the couple can hold each other in their arms, which can easily segue into cuddling when sex
is over. Partners may engage in other intimate contact, such as kissing, or guiding each other's
hips with their hands.[40][41][42]

Some women enjoy the feeling of total submission or being trapped. [43] Women who enjoy being
passive and carrying the man's weight may find the missionary position the most rewarding. [44]
Some women find it appealing knowing that the man has control of the rhythm and depth of his
thrusts. They may find it easier to reach orgasm because they do not have to focus on what they
are doing.[45] The missionary position may also be ideal for women who want to be "taken" by
the man and want to feel overpowered.[46]

[edit] Physical

The missionary position is commonly chosen for the first time a couple has sex. Thomas
Stuttaford notes that it may be more comfortable to do so: "The discomfort of early penetrative
sex, if there is any, is usually related to tension in the pelvic or thigh muscles and/or anxiety that
has prevented the usual vaginal lubrication. Muscles of the pelvic floor are more relaxed if,
initially, the missionary position is chosen and a couple of pillows are arranged under the
woman’s bottom so her hips are tilted upwards."[47] The simplicity of the position makes it well-
suited to the inexperienced.[48] The Lovers Guide states that missionary lends itself well to sex
with a new partner as it is "a romantic yet fairly unadventurous sex position" that is "non-
threatening and loving" and "lays neither partner open to strangeness, anxiety and
unfamiliarity."[46]

On the other hand, Sacha Tarkovsky advises women to not use the missionary position when
having sex for the first time, stating, "You are not in control, and it will be more painful and you
cannot do anything but lay [sic] there and take it." She recommends positions such as woman on
top that allow the woman to control the speed and pressure at which she loses her hymen. [49]
However, it may not be necessary to completely forgo missionary the first time; Alphonso Sirtle
suggests starting with woman on top until the hymen is torn, and then possibly switching to
missionary or whatever other position is preferred.[50]

The missionary position allows easy entry into the vagina. The man can use force and gravity to
help himself in,[51] and the position allows the woman to relax her vaginal muscles and help her
partner guide his penis gently in with her hand.[52] Suzi Godson said, "In an observational study
carried out in The Netherlands, magnetic resonance imaging was used to study the male and
female genitals during coitus. The images illustrate the very natural fit of the male and female
genitals in [the missionary] position. The penis has the shape of a boomerang – one third of its
length consists of the root of the penis – and the vaginal walls wrap snugly around it."[47][53]

According to Sexual Health Resource, "The man-on-top sex positions are very good for couples
who are trying to have a baby, because penetration can be very deep. If the woman holds on to
her legs behind her knees and draws her thighs right back, sperm can be deposited deep in the
vagina – at the neck of the womb. This provided the best chance of conception occurring."[6]
Journal-a-Day considers, "This position permits the penis to lock securely within the vagina and
hence there is no waste matter of ejaculate. For adult males with short members and low sperm
cell counts, this is very beneficial." [7] Getting Pregnant Tips notes the importance of not using
too large a sex pillow though as it can cause the sperm to pool behind the cervix. [54] Francoeur
states that "male-above sex promotes fertility by keeping the opening of the vagina higher than
the seminal pool, which, in turn, helps sperm get into the womb and find the egg." [11]
Nonetheless, according to BabyCenter, "There is no evidence that any particular sexual position
is more likely to lead to conception."[55] Donnica Moore counters this by stating that while there
are no scientific studies regarding the best sexual positions for baby-making, the missionary
(man on top) position is typically considered optimal for conception.[56]

Pregnancy Info states that the missionary position may become increasingly awkward for
pregnant women as their belly begins to grow.[57] The March of Dimes notes, "Positions that
work before pregnancy and early in pregnancy can be uncomfortable or even unsafe at later
stages of the baby’s development. For example, a woman should avoid lying flat on her back
after the fourth month of pregnancy, because the weight of the growing uterus puts pressure on
major blood vessels."[58] David Port states, "Beginning early in the second trimester, doctors tend
to discourage pregnant women from supine exercise. And the missionary position is exactly that
kind of exercise, at least if the activity lasts more than a few fleeting moments."[59]

The deep penetration and large hip thrusts of the missionary position can cause the man to reach
orgasm quickly compared to other positions, which can be problematic if the couple seeks to
reach simultaneous orgasm.[60] The male reaching orgasm first can be disruptive to sex, as 50%
of penile erection is lost immediately after ejaculation, [61] making him more likely to
inadvertently slip out of the vagina, especially during the strong pelvic contractions of female
orgasm. In addition to the standard methods for treating premature ejaculation, Zachary Veilleux
notes that this problem can be overcome by workarounds such as changing positions frequently
(which studies have shown delays male orgasm by a factor of 2-3), using lubrication to reduce
friction (friction stimulates the male but is not as important in female orgasm), or switching to
cunnilingus for a while when close to ejaculation, and then switching back when ejaculation is
no longer imminent.[62]

The missionary position is sometimes derided as a plain vanilla sex position.[63] Archer stated,
"To all the sex gymnasts, this kind of banal preference looks lazy, unimaginative and
uninformed," but she rebuts this by pointing out the existence of variations: "Missionary is kind
of like tofu: You have to add your own flavor." [64] Perhaps due to the ubiquity of this position, its
typical role as the first position used by couples, its tendency to put the man in control of speed,
tempo and depth, its ability to cause him to quickly reach orgasm, and the fact that it is literally a
"male-superior" position with the man on top, missionary is sometimes associated with men who
are dominating and uncreative and selfish about sex. According to Gina Ogden, "the cultural
missionary position – man on top" is not conducive to romance since "If a relationship is based
on authoritarian control, keeping one person on top and the other underneath, it gets old pretty
fast – for both partners, really".[65] In Women Who Love Sex, Ogden writes, "Think what will
happen to the missionary position when women, en masse, opt for pleasures that stir body and
soul instead of continuing to do good-girl intercourse by the book." [66] In Chinua Achebe's
Things Fall Apart, the main character ridicules the idea of women making decisions by saying
that one might as well say that the woman lies on top of the man when they are making the baby.
[67]

The missionary position has potential for clitoral stimulation in several ways. Christakos assures,
"This position can give the woman plenty of clitoral stimulation if the man leans forward thus
rubbing his pelvic bone against her clitoris."[68] Emily Queenie Chung notes, "Also, this position
is the easiest for a woman to stimulate her clitoris manually." [69] Sexual Health Resource notes
that also "the man can reach under and stimulate his partner using his fingers on her clitoris"
although "the man has limited use of his hands" (presumably this would depend on the variant of
the position used and whether the man's hands are occupied holding himself up).[6]

Sex in the missionary position, as a form of physical exercise, may be slightly more vigorous for
the man than in other positions. A study conducted by Bohlen et al. found that "man-on-top
coitus required more metabolic expenditure than woman-on-top coitus" and that the heart rate
during man-on-top sex was higher than in self-stimulation, partner stimulation, or woman-on-
top.[70] But one study showed that there was no difference in heart rate or blood pressure when
comparing these two basic positions, while another showed only a minor decrease in oxygen
consumption or exertion with the 'man-on-bottom' technique during orgasm.[71]

[edit] Popularity
Among humans, the missionary position is the most commonly used sex position. [7][43] In his
seminal study Sexual Behavior in the Human Female (1953), which focused on American
women, researcher Alfred Kinsey stated that 91% of married women surveyed reported using
this position most often, whereas 9% reported using it exclusively. [72] A Journal of Sexual
Medicine study entitled What Kind of Erotic Film Clips Should We Use in Female Sex
Research? An Exploratory Study selected 18 film clips out of a sample of 90 that were found by
the women studied to be particularly mentally appealing and visually arousing. 21% of the
original 90 involved the missionary position, but 33% of the final 18 involved missionary. [73]
Fewer than 10% of sexually active persons rarely or never use the missionary position. [74]
According to Francoeur, the Brazilian Bororo Indians eschew missionary, finding it insulting for
either partner to be above the other during sex. Balinese shun the man-on-top position in favor of
the "lotus position", in which intercourse is performed while the man is sitting down and the
woman is squatting on top of the man's legs while facing him, and she moves her hips up and
down. The inhabitants of Inis Beag practice the missionary position exclusively, with very
limited foreplay.[11] In addition to humans, the missionary position is also used by certain other
species including bonobos,[75] gorillas[76] and armadillos.[77]

[edit] See Also

 Human sexuality

[edit] References
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Erotica in Art
 

" In art, immorality cannot exist.

Art is always sacred"

                                                 
    August Rodin

 
 sexual act
 
 

   

   

      CONTENTS:

  Human sexuality
  Coitus reservatus

  Penis

  Vagina

  Clitoris

  Erection

  Nipple

  Ejaculation

  Pre-ejaculate

  Orgasm

  List of sex positions I

  List of sex positions II

  List of sex positions III

  List of sex positions IV

  Anal sex

  Oral sex

  Cunnilingus

  Fellatio

  Deep-throating (sexual act)

  Autofellatio

  Masturbation

  Homosexuality

  Lesbian

  Zoophilia
 

In his study of Leonardo da Vinci, Sigmund Freud writes:

"Observation of daily life shows that most persons have the capacity to direct a
very tangible part of their sexual motive powers to their professional or business
activities. The sexual impulse is particularly suited to yield such contributions
because it is endowed with the capacity of sublimation, i. e. it has the power to
exchange its nearest aim for others of higher value which are not sexual."

 
 

List of sex positions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 

The missionary positionThis list of sex positions includes descriptions of various forms of
sexual intercourse and other sexual acts between people. Sexual acts are generally
described by the positions the participants take in order to perform those acts. Alfred
Kinsey used six primary positions as categories. Since the number of positions that can be
used for sex is essentially limitless, this list is not exhaustive.

Penetrative positions
These positions involve the insertion of a penis or other phallus (such as a strap-on dildo)
into a vagina or anus.

Penetrating partner on top with front entry

These positions are primarily used vaginally, although some can also be used for anal sex.
The basic position is called the missionary position. In it, the receiving partner lies on his or
her back with legs apart. The penetrating partner lies on top of the receiving partner, facing
them. The following variations are possible:

The penetrating partner stands in front of the receiving partner, whose legs dangle over the
edge of a bed or some other platform like a table. With the receiving partner's legs lifted
towards the ceiling and resting against the penetrating partner, this is sometimes called the
butterfly position. This can also be done as a kneeling position.
The receiving partner lies on his or her back. The penetrating partner stands and lifts the
receiving partner's pelvis for penetration. A variant is for the receiving partner to rest his or
her legs on the penetrating partner's shoulders.
The receiving partner lies on his or her back, legs pulled up straight and knees near to the
head. The penetrating partner holds the receiving partner's legs and penetrates from
above.
Similarly to the previous position, but the receiving partner's legs need not be straight and
the penetrating partner wraps his or her arms around the receiving partner to push the legs
as close as possible to the chest. Called the stopperage in Burton's translation of The
Perfumed Garden.
The coital alignment technique, a position where a woman is penetrated vaginally: the
penetrating partner enters vaginally in the missionary position and moves slightly forward
so that the base of the phallus rubs the clitoris.
The receiving partner crosses their feet behind their head (or at least puts their feet next to
their ears), while lying on their back. The penetrating partner then holds the receiving
partner tightly around each instep or ankle and lies on the receiving partner full-length. A
variation is to have the receiving partner cross their ankles on their stomach, knees to
shoulders, and then have the penetrating partner lie on the receiving partner's crossed
ankles with their full weight. Called the Viennese oyster by The Joy of Sex.

Penetrating from behind

Most of these positions can be used for either vaginal or anal penetration.

The receiving partner is on all fours with their torso horizontal. The penetrating partner
inserts from behind. This is called the doggy position. The penetrating partner may also
grab the receiving partner's hair for added leverage, and increased control.
In a variant on the doggy position, the receiving partner's torso is angled downwards. The
penetrating partner can raise their own hips above those of the receiving partner for
maximum penetration.
In another variant of the doggy position, the penetrating partner places their feet on each
side of the receiving partner while keeping their knees bent and effectively raising up as
high as possible while maintaining penetration. The penetrating partner's hands usually
have to be placed on the receiving partner's back to keep from falling forward.
In a variant on the doggy position, the receiving partner kneels upright. The penetrating
partner may gently pull the receiving partner's arms backwards at the wrists towards them.

In the spoons position both partners lie on their same side facing in the same direction.
The receiving partner lies on their side. The penetrating partner kneels and penetrates from
behind. Alternatively, the penetrating partner can stand if the receiving partner is on a
raised surface.
The receiving partner lies facing down, possibly with their legs spread. The penetrating
partner lies on top of them. The placement of a pillow beneath the receiving partner's hips
can help increase stimulation in this position.
The receiving partner lies face down, knees together. The penetrating partner lies on top
with spread legs.
The receiving partner lies on their side with their uppermost leg forward. The penetrating
partner kneels astride the receiver's lowermost leg.

Receiving partner on top

The reverse missionary position is frequently combined with kissing, caressing and
embracing.
Most of these positions can be used for either vaginal or anal penetration.

The penetrating partner lies on their back. The receiving partner kneels on top of the
penetrator facing them. Sometimes called the cowboy or cowgirl position. See Receptive
partner on top position.
As above, but the receiving partner sits on top of the penetrator facing away from them.
Sometimes called the reverse cowboy or reverse cowgirl position. See Reverse receptive
partner on top position.
As above, but the receiving partner arches their back with their hands on the ground.
As above, but the receiving partner squats (instead of kneeling) on top of the penetrator
facing toward them.
The penetrating partner is on their back with the receiving partner lying down on top with
their knees brought forward against the ground.
The penetrating partner lies with their upper back on a low table, couch, chair or edge of
bed, keeping their feet flat on the floor and back parallel to floor. The receiving partner
straddles them, also keeping their feet on the floor. Receiving partner can assume any of
various positions.
The lateral coital position was recommended by Masters and Johnson, and was preferred by
three quarters of their heterosexual study participants after having tried it. The position
involves the man on his back, with the woman rolled slightly to the side so that her pelvis is
atop his, but her weight is beside his.

Sitting and kneeling

Kneeling variant of the lotus position.Most of these positions can be used for either vaginal
or anal penetration.

The penetrating partner sits on an area surface, legs outstretched. The receiving partner
sits on top and wraps their legs around the penetrating partner. Called pounding on the
spot in the Burton translation of The Perfumed Garden. If the penetrator crosses their legs
instead, it is called the lotus position. This position can be combined with fondling of both
the breasts and buttocks of the receiving partner and the buttocks of the penetrating
partner, increasing the chances of both pleasure and orgasm in both partners.
The penetrating partner sits in a chair. The receiving partner straddles penetrating partner
and sits, facing the penetrating partner, feet on floor. This is sometimes known as the lap
dance. Other receiver-on-top variants can be adapted in this way as well.
The penetrating partner sits on a couch or in a chair that has armrests. The receiving
partner sits in the penetrating partner's lap, perpendicular to penetrating partner, with his
or her back against the armrest.
The penetrating partner kneels while the receiving partner lies on his or her back, ankles on
each side of penetrating partner's shoulders.

Standing

One partner stands while holding up the other without a support.Most of these positions can
be used for either vaginal or anal penetration. In the basic standing position, both partners
stand facing each other. The following variations are possible:

In the basic standing position, both partners stand facing each other and engage in vaginal
sex. In order to match heights, the shorter partner can, for instance, stand on a stair or
wear high heels. It may be easier to maintain solid thrusts if the woman has her back to a
wall. With such a support, the Kama Sutra calls this position the suspended congress.[8]
This position is most often used in upright places, such as a wall in a bedroom or a shower.
When in the shower, the water can be turned on to steaming to facilitate a more
pleasurable effect.
Alternatively, the receiving partner can face away from the penetrating partner which
allows for anal sex. This position is varied by having the receiving partner assume different
semi-standing positions. For instance, they may bend at the waist, resting their hands or
elbows on a table. Or they may put both hands and one foot on the floor and let the
penetrating partner hold the remaining leg.[citation needed]
In this position, the penetrating partner stands. The receiving partner wraps their arms
around his neck, and their legs around his waist, thereby exposing either the vagina or
anus to the man's penis. This position is made easier with the use of a solid object behind
the receiver, as above. Use of a solid object also helps hold the receiving partner up. In this
fashion, the position is called the suspended congress in the Kama Sutra.

Anal-specific positions
Most penetrative sex positions (see above) can be adapted anally, especially those that
involve entry from behind. Other sexual practices involving the vagina, such as fingering,
can also be adapted anally. However, some positions are not directly adaptable because of
the different angles required for anal and vaginal entry. Here are listed positions that work
well for anal sex.

Doggy style – see above. This position maximizes the depth of penetration, which may be
desirable by either or both partners, but can pose the risk of pushing against the sigmoid
colon. If the receiving partner is male, this increases the chances of stimulating the
prostate. This position allows for vigorous thrusting. A variation is the leapfrog position, in
which the receiving partner angles their torso downward. The receiving partner may also lie
flat and face down, with the penetrating partner straddling their thighs.
Missionary – see above. In order to achieve optimal alignment, the receiving partner's legs
should be in the air with the knees drawn towards their chest. Some sort of support (such
as a pillow) under the receiving partner's hips can also be useful. The penetrating partner
positions themselves between the receiving partner's legs. This position is often cited as
good for beginners, because it allows them to relax more fully than is usual in the "doggy"
position.
Spoons – see above. This allows the receiving partner to greatly control initial entry and the
depth, speed and force of subsequent thrusting.
Receiving partner on top – see above section. These are sometimes cited as a good
beginning positions, as they allow the receptive partner more control over the depth,
rhythm and speed of penetration. More specifically, the receptive partner can slowly push
their anus down on the penetrator, allowing time for their muscles to relax.

Less common positions

The T-square positionThese positions are more innovative, and perhaps not as widely
known or practiced as the ones listed above.

The receiving partner is on the bottom. The penetrating partner lies on top perpendicularly
to them.
The penetrating partner lies on their back, legs spread. The receiving partner is on their
back on top of the penetrator, legs spread, facing the opposite direction.
The penetrator and the receiver lie on their backs, heads pointed away from one another.
Each places one leg on the other's shoulder (as a brace) and the other leg out somewhat to
the side.
The receiving partner lies on their back with knees up and legs apart. The penetrating
partner lies on their side perpendicular to the receiver, with the penetrating partner's hips
under the arch formed by receiver's legs. Sometimes called the T-square.[citation needed]
The receiving partner's legs are together turning to one side while looking up towards the
penetrator, who has spread legs and is kneeing straight behind the other's hips. The
penetrator's hands are on the other's hips. This position can be called the Modified T-
square.[9]
The receiving partner lies on their back with the penetrating partner lying perpendicular.
The receiving partner bends the knee closest to the penetrating partner's head enough so
that there is room for the penetrating partner's waist to fit beneath it, while the penetrating
partner's legs straddle the receiving partner's other leg. The in-and-out thrusting action will
move more along a side-to-side rather than top-to-bottom axis. This position allows for
breast stimulation during sex, for partners to maintain eye contact if they wish, and for a
good view of both partners as they reach orgasm.
The penetrating partner sits on edge of a bed or chair with feet spread wide on floor. The
receiving partner lays on their back on the floor and drapes their legs and thighs over the
legs of the penetrating partner. The penetrating partner holds the knees of the receiving
partner and controls thrusts.
The Seventh Posture of Burton's translation of The Perfumed Garden is an unusual position
not described in other classical sex manuals.[4] The receiving partner lies on their side. The
penetrating partner faces the receiver, straddling the receiver's lower leg, and lifts the
receiver's upper leg on either side of the body onto the crook of penetrating partner's elbow
or onto the shoulder. While some references describe this position as being "for acrobats
and not to be taken seriously,"[10] others have found it very comfortable, especially during
pregnancy.
The penetrator straddles one of the legs of the receiver, who is lying on their side.
The piledriver is a difficult position sometimes seen in porn videos. It is described in many
ways by different sources. In a heterosexual context, the woman lies on her back, then
raises her hips as high as possible, so that her partner, standing, can enter her vaginally or
anally. The position places considerable strain on the woman's neck, so firm cushions
should be used to support her.
Another postition has the guy laying on his back with the girl on top of him on her back .
Another postition is both the girl and guy lay on their backs away for each other but have
pubic areas in contact with each other.

Using furniture or special apparatus

Using a table to allow a variant of the missionary positionMost sex acts are typically
performed on a bed or other simple platform. As the range of supports available increases,
so does the range of positions that are possible. Ordinary furniture can be used for this
purpose. Also, various forms of erotic furniture and other apparatus such as fisting slings
and trapezes have been used to facilitate even more exotic sexual positions.

Positions to promote or prevent conception

Pregnancy is a potential result of any form of sex where sperm comes in contact with the
vaginal area (typically vaginal sex, but pregnancy can result from anal sex, digital sex with
sperm fluids on the fingers, or even sperm that is on the body and is transferred to the
vaginal area) between a fertile female and a fertile male. (Men and women are typically
fertile by the time they reach puberty.) Oral sex itself can never result in pregnancy.
However, if not careful, it can result in pregnancy if sperm on the hands or body comes in
contact with the vaginal area. Those who follow the advice of old wives' tales believe certain
sexual positions produce more favorable results than others, but none of these are effective
means of contraception. See Old wives' tale: Having sex standing up is a contraceptive.

Positions during pregnancy

The goal is to prevent excessive pressure on the belly and to restrict penetration as
required by the particular partners. Some of the positions below are popular positions for
sex during pregnancy.

Missionary with caution

Spoons
Leapfrog
Woman on top
Intercrural sex

Non-penetrative positions
Non-penetrative sex or frottage – the general term for rubbing one's genitals on one's
partner. This may include the partner's genitals or buttocks.

Other forms of frottage – as part of foreplay or to avoid penetrative sex, people engage in a
variety of other non-penetrative sexual behaviour, which may or may not lead to orgasm.

Dry humping – frottage while clothed. This act is common, although not essential, in the
dance style known as "grinding".
Handjob – Manual stimulation of a partner's penis.
Footjob – using the feet to stimulate the penis.
Mammary intercourse – using the breasts together to stimulate the penis through the
cleavage. (Should not be confused with a "boob job" meaning to have augmentive surgery
done on the breasts.) Also called a "titjob", "titty-fucking", a "tit-wank", or a "muscle fuck".
Several other slang terms exist.
Intercrural intercourse or interfemoral sex, also called irrumatio – with the penis between
the partner's thighs, perhaps rubbing the vulva, scrotum or perineum.
Axillary intercourse – with the penis in the armpit.
Humping may refer to masturbation – thrusting one's genitals against the surface of non-
sexual objects, clothed or unclothed, but this word is also used in the UK and Canada as
slang for penetrative sex.

Genital-genital sex

Genital-genital sex, sometimes referred to as GG rubbing, is generally understood as sexual

intercourse in a narrower sense, and among samesex partners vanilla sex. Sex by mutual
genital rubbing is sometimes grouped with 'frottage'. However, other terms like 'non-
penetrative' or 'outercourse' are heterosexist in reference and misleadingly assume a
penile-vaginal context.

Frot or frottage – two males mutually rubbing penises together.

Tribadism or tribbing – two females mutually rubbing vulvae together.
Docking - mutual masturbation by inserting the head of a circumcised or uncircumcised
penis into the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis. Circumcised men can also use a sex toy
called a "docking sleeve," a tube-shaped device made of silicone, rubber or Cyberskin which
takes the place of the foreskin.

Oral sex positions

Oral sex is the term given to genital stimulation by the mouth. People may engage in oral
sex as part of foreplay before intercourse, or during or following intercourse. It may also be
performed for its own sake.

It can be performed simultaneously (e.g. one partner performs cunnilingus, while the other
partner performs fellatio), or only one partner may perform upon the other; this creates a
multitude of variations
Fellatio

Fellatio is oral sex involving a man's genitals. Possible positions include:

The man lies on his back while his partner kneels between his legs.
The man lies on his back while his partner lies off to the side of his legs.
The man sits in a chair and partner kneels in front of him between his legs.
The man stands while his partner either kneels in front of him or sits (in a chair or on the
edge of a bed, etc.) and bends forward.
While the active partner lies on their back, the man assumes the missionary position but
adjusted forward so as to insert his penis in his partner's mouth.
The man stands or crouches at the edge of the bed, facing the bed. The active partner lies
on the bed with their head hanging over the edge of the bed backward. The man inserts his
penis into his partner's mouth, usually to achieve deep throat penetration, whereby the
entire penis penetrates the mouth opening.
The man fellates his own penis; see autofellatio
The active partner (being female) lies on her back, and the man inserts his penis between
her cleavage, and into her mouth.

Cunnilingus

Cunnilingus is oral sex involving a woman's genitals. Possible positions include:

The woman lies on her back as in the missionary position. The active partner lies on their
front between her legs.
The active partner sits. The woman stands facing away and bends at the hips.
The active partner sits. The woman stands or squats facing towards partner and may arch
her back, to create further stimulation.
The active partner lies on their back while the woman kneels with her legs at their sides and
her genitals on their mouth. Humorously popularised in the Monty Python song "Sit On My
Face" (1980).
The woman services her own genitals. Although rarer, some women still find this possible;
see autofellatio
The woman stands, possibly bracing herself against a wall. The active partner kneels in
front of her.
The woman sits on the bed with her legs open, the active partner kneels in front of her.
The woman is upside-down (standing on hands, held by partner, or using support, such as
bondage or furniture), with the active partner standing or kneeling (depending on
elevation) in front or behind. Such a position may be difficult to achieve, or maintain for
extended time periods, but the rush of blood to the brain can alter stimulation's effect.
The woman stands on hands, resting each leg on either side of the active partner's head,
with the active partner standing or kneeling facing them. Depending on which way up the
woman is facing, different stimulation and levels of comfort may be available.

69
Simultaneous oral sex between two people is called 69. It is called the congress of the crow
in the Kama Sutra. Each partner may be male or female. They can be lying side-by-side,
lying one on top of the other, or standing with one partner holding the other upside down.

Anilingus
Positions for anilingus, also known as "butt licking," "rimming", "anal-oral sex", "rimjob", or
"tossing the salad" are often variants on those for genital-oral sex. Rimming-specific
positions include:

The passive partner is on all fours. The active partner is behind them.
The passive partner is on their back with their legs up.
The Rusty trombone, in which a male is standing while the active partner is both performing
anilingus from behind, generally from a kneeling position, while also masturbating the
standing partner, thus somewhat resembling someone playing the trombone.

Other positions
Fingering of the vagina or anus.
Shocker – simultaneous fingering of the vagina and anus using one hand. The index and
middle finger are inserted in the vagina, and the pinky in the anus. A number of variations
are possible by using different combinations of fingers in each orifice. This act figures
prominently in the Story of O: shortly after O's arrival at the Chateau, a man grabs her in
this way. O is shocked, but she learns to accept this and ruder intrusions. Sometimes
referred to as "Two in the pink, one in the stink."
Female shocker – simultaneously fingering a man's anus with one's thumb while stimulating
his scrotum with the other fingers. This is done by making a shape with the hands as
though one were holding the bowl of a wine glass.
Fisting – inserting the entire hand into the vagina or anus. This usually requires large
amounts of lubricant and relaxation. The hand is usually not actually made into a fist, but
instead the thumb is placed between the middle and ring fingers. Anal fisting can be
extremely dangerous and even fatal if the hand tears the lining of the intestine.

Group sex

Oral Threesome with one male and two females

Threesome
Édouard-Henri Avril's depiction of a "sandwich"
Double penetration.Various assemblages of people may participate in group sex. While
group sex does not imply that all participants must be in sexual contact with all others
simultaneously, some positions are only possible with three or more people.

As with the positions listed above, more group sex positions become practical if erotic
furniture is used.

With three participants

When three people have sex with each other, it is called a threesome. Possible ways of
having all partners in sexual contact with each other include:

One person performs oral sex on either of the other two partners while they engage in anal
or vaginal intercourse.
A man has vaginal or anal sex with one partner, while himself being anally penetrated by
another (possibly with a strap-on dildo).
Three partners lie or stand in parallel, with one between the other two. Sometimes called a
sandwich. This term may specifically refer to the double penetration of a woman, with one
penis in her anus, and the other in her vagina.
A participant has vaginal or anal sex with one partner, and both give oral sex to a third.
Three people perform oral sex in a triangular configuration, commonly called a "daisy
chain".

Multiple
Multiple penetration refers to one person
simultaneously. It generally involves between
be accomplished by fingers, toes, sex toys,
pornography, but it is difficult to say whether
of it.
penetration
being sexually penetrated several times
three and five participants. Penetration may
or penises. These positions are popular in
they enjoy any significant popularity outside

If one person is penetrated by two objects, it is generically called double penetration

(sometimes abbreviated dp). Given the vagina, anus and mouth, there are several ways in
which this can be done. These include:

Simultaneous penetration of the anus by two penises or other objects. This is commonly
called double anal or double stuffing.
Simultaneous penetration of the vagina by two penises or other objects. This is commonly
called double vaginal or double stuffing.
Simultaneous penetration of the vagina and anus. If this is done using penises and/or
strap-on dildos, this is sometimes called the sandwich or BigMac. The shocker (see above)
accomplishes this using several fingers of one hand.

Simultaneous penetration of the mouth and either the vagina or anus. If the penetrating
objects are penises, this is sometimes called the spit roast. The character Alyssa Jones in
Chasing Amy acquired the nickname "finger cuffs" after participating in this act.
If one person is penetrated by three objects, it is generically called triple penetration.
Possibilities include:

Two penises penetrating the vagina and one in the anus or vice versa. While possible, this
position is very difficult.
One penis in the anus, one in the vagina, and one in the mouth simultaneously.
These variations of multiple penetration are commonly seen in pornography aimed at
straight men. Some of these positions put two men in intimate contact with each other,
either directly or indirectly.

Penetration by larger numbers of objects is rarer and generally not named, with two
exceptions, which are likely physically impossible:

Double vaginal, double anal penetration (DVDA): simultaneous penetration of the vagina
and anus of a single woman by two penises each. The term gained popularity after its
inclusion in the movie Orgazmo by South Park co-creator Trey Parker, and is also the name
of Parker's and Matt Stone's band.
Triple-Double: Multiple penetration of a single woman by six penises. Two penises in the
mouth, vagina, and anus simultaneously.

With many participants

These positions can be expanded to accommodate any number of participants.

A group of males masturbating is called a circle jerk.

A group of males masturbating and ejaculating on one person's face (usually a woman's), is
known as bukkake.
A group of men, women, or both, each performing oral sex on the next, is called a daisy
chain.
When one woman or man is given the serial or parallel attention of many, often involving a
queue, it is often termed a gangbang (originally exclusively a rape term, but now used to
include consensual group sex).

Historical
In the Indian Kama Sutra, the act and manner of sex was an art-form. In the Khajuraho
statues, it has ethical meaning. In the Kama Sutra, eighty-four sex positions are explained
as arts. These may be considered yoga positions for a couple. Tantric yoga, as applied to
couples, is sometimes called the yoga of union and is the supposed ethical context for these
positions.

The Arabic Perfumed Garden is another ancient text which describes sex positions.
However, the most commonly known English version, translated from French by Sir Richard
Francis Burton, has mangled the original almost beyond recognition. A modern translation
by Jim Coville claiming to be faithful to the original describes only 11 unnamed sex
positions, whereas Burton's translation lists some 39, each either with a name or number.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Sex positions
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

Sex positions are positions which people may adopt during or for the purpose of sexual
intercourse or other sexual activities. Sexual acts are generally described by the positions the
participants adopt in order to perform those acts. Though sexual intercourse generally involves
the sexual penetration of the body of one person by another, or simply direct stimulation of the
sex organ of one by another, a sex position may not necessarily involve penetration or direct
stimulation.

Three categories of intercourse are commonly practiced: vaginal intercourse, involving vaginal
penetration by the penis; oral intercourse, involving oral caress of the penis or vagina with a
partner's mouth; and anal intercourse, involving insertion of the penis into a partner's anus.[1] Sex
acts may also involve other forms of genital stimulation, such as solo/mutual masturbation,
which may involve rubbing or penetration by the use of fingers or hands, or by a device (sex toy)
such as a dildo or vibrator. There are numerous sex positions which the participants may adopt in
any of these types of sexual intercourse or acts, creating an almost limitless number of sex
positions. This list uses Alfred Kinsey's six primary positional categories.[2]

Missionary, the most commonly used sex position. [3]

Contents
[hide]

 1 History
 2 Exclusively penetrative positions
o 2.1 Penetrating partner on top with front entry
o 2.2 Penetrating from behind
o 2.3 Receiving partner on top
o 2.4 Sitting and kneeling
 o 2.5 Standing
o 2.6 Anal sex positions
o 2.7 Less-common positions
 2.7.1 Others
o 2.8 Using furniture or special apparatus
o 2.9 Positions to promote or prevent conception
o 2.10 Positions during pregnancy
 3 Non-exclusive
o 3.1 Oral sex positions
 3.1.1 Fellatio
 3.1.2 Cunnilingus
 3.1.3 Sixty-nine
 3.1.4 Anilingus
o 3.2 Other positions
 4 Non-penetrative positions
o 4.1 Genital-genital rubbing
 5 Group sex
o 5.1 With three participants
o 5.2 With many participants
o 5.3 Multiple penetration
 6 Effects of physical disabilities and limitations
 7 See also
 8 References
 9 Further reading
 10 External links

History
The literature describing sexual positions is very old.

The earliest known European Medieval text dedicated to sexual positions is the Speculum al
foderi, sometimes known as "The Mirror of Coitus" or literally "a mirror for fuckers", a 15th
century Catalan text discovered in the 1970s. [4][5]

Exclusively penetrative positions

These positions involve the insertion of a penis or other phallus (such as a strap-on dildo) into a
vagina or anus.

Penetrating partner on top with front entry

Anal missionary between two males

The basic sex position is generally[citation needed] called[by whom?] the missionary position. In this
position, the participants face each other. The receiving partner lies on his/her back with legs
apart, while the penetrating partner lies on top. This position and the following variations are
primarily used for vaginal intercourse, although some can also be used for anal sex.

 The penetrating partner stands in front of the receiving partner, whose legs dangle over the
edge of a bed or some other platform like a table. [6] With the receiving partner's legs lifted
towards the ceiling and resting against the penetrating partner, this is sometimes called the
butterfly position. This can also be done as a kneeling position.
 The receiving partner lies on his/her back. The penetrating partner stands and lifts the receiving
partner's pelvis for penetration. A variant is for the receiving partner to rest his or her legs on
the penetrating partner's shoulders.
 The receiving partner lies on his/her back, legs pulled up straight and knees near to the head.
The penetrating partner holds the receiving partner's legs and penetrates from above.
 Similarly to the previous position, but the receiving partner's legs need not be straight and the
penetrating partner wraps his or her arms around the receiving partner to push the legs as close
as possible to the chest. Called the stopperage in Burton's translation of The Perfumed Garden.[7]
 The coital alignment technique, a position where a woman is penetrated vaginally: the
penetrating partner enters vaginally in the missionary position and moves slightly forward so
that the base of the phallus rubs the clitoris.
 The receiving partner crosses his/her feet behind his/her head (or at least puts his/her feet next
to his/her ears), while lying on his/her back. The penetrating partner then holds the receiving
partner tightly around each instep or ankle and lies on the receiving partner full-length. A
variation is to have the receiving partner cross his/her ankles on his/her stomach, knees to
shoulders, and then have the penetrating partner lie on the receiving partner's crossed ankles
with his/her full weight. Called the Viennese oyster by The Joy of Sex.[8]

Penetrating from behind

A couple engaged in a rear-penetration position commonly referred to as doggy-style.

Most of these positions can be used for either vaginal or anal penetration.

 Variants of the doggy style or doggy position include:

 The receiving partner is on all fours with their torso horizontal. The penetrating partner
inserts from behind.
 In a variant on the doggy position, the receiving partner's torso is angled downwards.
The penetrating partner can raise their own hips above those of the receiving partner
for maximum penetration.
 In another variant of the doggy position, the penetrating partner places their feet on
each side of the receiving partner while keeping their knees bent and effectively raising
up as high as possible while maintaining penetration. The penetrating partner's hands
usually have to be placed on the receiving partner's back to keep from falling forward.
[citation needed]

 In a variant on the doggy position, the receiving partner kneels upright. The penetrating
partner may gently pull the receiving partner's arms backwards at the wrists towards
them.

 In the spoons position both partners lie on their same side facing in the same direction. [9]

 The receiving partner lies on their side. The penetrating partner kneels and penetrates
from behind. Alternatively, the penetrating partner can stand if the receiving partner is
on a raised surface.
 The receiving partner lies facing down, possibly with their legs spread. The penetrating
partner lies on top of them.[10] The placement of a pillow beneath the receiving partner's
hips can help increase stimulation in this position.
 The receiving partner lies face down, knees together. The penetrating partner lies on
top with spread legs.
 The receiving partner lies on their side with their uppermost leg forward. The
penetrating partner kneels astride the receiver's lowermost leg.

Receiving partner on top

The cowgirl position

See also: Woman on top (sex position)

These positions are sometimes called the woman on top, cowboy or cowgirl positions. Most of
these positions can be used for either vaginal or anal penetration.

A feature of these positions is that the penetrating partner lies on his or her back with the
receiving partner on top:

 the receiving partner can kneel while straddling the penetrating partner, with the participants
facing each other.
 alternatively, the receiving partner can face away from the penetrating partner. This position is
sometimes called the reverse cowboy or reverse cowgirl position.
 the receiving partner can arch back with hands on the ground.
 the receiving partner can squat (instead of kneel) facing the penetrating partner.
 the receiving partner can bring forward their knees against the ground.
 the penetrating partner lies with their upper back on a low table, couch, chair or edge of bed,
keeping their feet flat on the floor and back parallel to floor. The receiving partner straddles
them, also keeping their feet on the floor. Receiving partner can assume any of various
positions.
 the lateral coital position was recommended by Masters and Johnson, and was preferred by
three quarters of their heterosexual study participants after having tried it. The position involves
the man on his back, with the woman rolled slightly to the side so that her pelvis is atop his, but
her weight is beside his.[11]

Sitting and kneeling

Kneeling variant of the lotus position.

Most of these positions can be used for either vaginal or anal penetration.

 The penetrating partner sits on an area surface, legs outstretched. The receiving partner sits on
top and wraps their legs around the penetrating partner. Called pounding on the spot in the
Burton translation of The Perfumed Garden.[7] If the penetrator crosses their legs instead, it is
called the lotus position.[12] This position can be combined with fondling of both the breasts and
buttocks of the receiving partner and the buttocks of the penetrating partner, increasing the
chances of both pleasure and orgasm in both partners.
 The penetrating partner sits in a chair. The receiving partner straddles penetrating partner and
sits, facing the penetrating partner, feet on floor. This is sometimes known as the lap dance.
Other receiver-on-top variants can be adapted in this way as well.
 The penetrating partner sits on a couch or in a chair that has armrests. The receiving partner sits
in the penetrating partner's lap, perpendicular to penetrating partner, with his or her back
against the armrest.
 The penetrating partner kneels while the receiving partner lies on his or her back, ankles on
each side of penetrating partner's shoulders. [7]

Standing
One partner stands while holding up the other without a support.

Most of these positions can be used for either vaginal or anal penetration. In the basic standing
position, both partners stand facing each other. The following variations are possible:

 In the basic standing position, both partners stand facing each other and engage in vaginal sex.
In order to match heights, the shorter partner can, for instance, stand on a stair or wear high
heels. It may be easier to maintain solid thrusts if the woman has her back to a wall. With such a
support, the Kama Sutra calls this position the suspended congress.[13] This position is most often
used in upright places, such as a wall in a bedroom or a shower.
o The penetrating partner stands, and the receiving partner wraps their arms around his
neck, and their legs around his waist, thereby exposing either the vagina or anus to the
man's penis. This position is made easier with the use of a solid object behind the
receiver, as above.
 Alternatively, the receiving partner can face away from the penetrating partner which allows for
anal sex. This position is varied by having the receiving partner assume different semi-standing
positions. For instance, they may bend at the waist, resting their hands or elbows on a table.

Anal sex positions

Anal sex positions involve anal penetration. Most anal sex positions are adaptations of vaginal
penetrative positions:
  Doggy style penetration maximizes the depth of penetration, but can pose the risk of pushing
against the sigmoid colon. If the receiving partner is male, this increases the chances of
stimulating the prostate. The penetrating partner controls the thrusting rhythm. A variation is
the leapfrog position, in which the receiving partner angles their torso downward. The receiving
partner may also lie flat and face down, with the penetrating partner straddling their thighs.
 In the missionary positions, to achieve optimal alignment, the receiving partner's legs should be
in the air with the knees drawn towards their chest. Some sort of support (such as a pillow)
under the receiving partner's hips can also be useful. The penetrating partner positions
themselves between the receiving partner's legs. The penetrating partner controls the thrusting
rhythm. This position is often cited as good for beginners, because it allows them to relax more
fully than is usual in the doggy style position.
 The spoons position allows the receiving partner to control initial penetration and the depth,
speed and force of subsequent thrusting.
 The receiving partner on top positions allow the receiving partner more control over the depth,
rhythm and speed of penetration. More specifically, the receiving partner can slowly push their
anus down on the penetrating partner, allowing time for their muscles to relax.

Less-common positions

The T-square position

These positions are more innovative, and perhaps not as widely known or practiced as the ones
listed above.

 The receiving partner lies on their back with knees up and legs apart. The penetrating partner
lies on their side perpendicular to the receiver, with the penetrating partner's hips under the
arch formed by receiver's legs. Sometimes called the T-square.[citation needed]

 The receiving partner's legs are together turning to one side while looking up towards the
penetrator, who has spread legs and is kneeing straight behind the other's hips. The
penetrator's hands are on the other's hips. This position can be called the Modified T-square.[14]

 The Seventh Posture of Burton's translation of The Perfumed Garden is an unusual position not
described in other classical sex manuals.[7] The receiving partner lies on his or her side. The
 penetrating partner faces the receiver, straddling the receiver's lower leg, and lifts the receiver's
upper leg on either side of the body onto the crook of penetrating partner's elbow or onto the
shoulder. While some references describe this position as being "for acrobats and not to be
taken seriously,"[15] others have found it very comfortable, especially during pregnancy.

The penetrator straddles one of the legs of the receiver, who is lying on their side.

 The piledriver is a difficult position sometimes seen in porn videos. It is described in many ways
by different sources. In a heterosexual context, the woman lies on her back, then raises her hips
as high as possible, so that her partner, standing, can enter her vaginally or anally. The position
places considerable strain on the woman's neck, so firm cushions should be used to support her.

The receiver lies face down legs spread on the edge of the bed and parallel to the floor, while the
penetrator stands behind, holding both legs.

 The Rusty Bike Pump is similar to a piledriver where penetration is achieved from above at a
downward angle with the receiving partner bottom side up.

Others

 The receiving partner is on the bottom. The penetrating partner lies on top perpendicularly to
them.
 The penetrating partner lies on their back, legs spread. The receiving partner is on their back on
top of the penetrator, legs spread, facing the opposite direction.
 The penetrator and the receiver lie on their backs, heads pointed away from one another. Each
places one leg on the other's shoulder (as a brace) and the other leg out somewhat to the side.
 The receiving partner lies on their back with the penetrating partner lying perpendicular. The
receiving partner bends the knee closest to the penetrating partner's head enough so that there
is room for the penetrating partner's waist to fit beneath it, while the penetrating partner's legs
straddle the receiving partner's other leg. The in-and-out thrusting action will move more along
a side-to-side rather than top-to-bottom axis. This is sometimes called the scissors position. This
position allows for breast stimulation during sex, for partners to maintain eye contact if they
wish, and for a good view of both partners as they reach orgasm.
 The penetrating partner sits on edge of a bed or chair with feet spread wide on floor. The
receiving partner lies on their back on the floor and drapes their legs and thighs over the legs of
the penetrating partner. The penetrating partner holds the knees of the receiving partner and
controls thrusts.

Using furniture or special apparatus

Using a table to allow a variant of the missionary position

Most sex acts are typically performed on a bed or other simple platform. As the range of supports
available increases, so does the range of positions that are possible. Ordinary furniture can be
used for this purpose. Also, various forms of erotic furniture and other apparatus such as fisting
slings and trapezes have been used to facilitate even more exotic sexual positions.

Positions to promote or prevent conception

Pregnancy is a potential result of any form of sex where sperm comes in contact with the vaginal
area (typically vaginal sex, but pregnancy can result from anal sex, digital sex with sperm fluids
on the fingers, or even sperm that is on the body and is transferred to the vaginal area) between a
fertile female and a fertile male. (Men and women are typically fertile by the time they reach
puberty.) Oral sex itself can never result in pregnancy. However, if not careful, it can result in
pregnancy if sperm on the hands or body comes in contact with the vaginal area. Though certain
sexual positions are believed by some to produce more favorable results than others, none of
these are effective means of contraception. See Birth control: Misconceptions.

Positions during pregnancy

The goal is to prevent excessive pressure on the belly and to restrict penetration as required by
the particular partners. Some of the positions below are popular positions for sex during
pregnancy.[16]

 Woman on top: takes the pressure off of the woman's abdomen and allows her to control the
depth and frequency of thrusting.
 Woman on back: like the missionary, but with less pressure on abdomen or uterus. The woman
lies on her back and raises her knees up towards her chest. The partner kneels between her legs
and enters from the front. Place a pillow under her bottom for added comfort.
 Sideways: also keeps pressure off of her abdomen while supporting her uterus at the same time.
 Spooning: very popular positions to use during the late stages of pregnancy; allowing only
shallow penetration and relieves the pressure on the stomach.
 Sitting: she mounts the sitting partner, relieving her stomach of pressure.
 From behind: allowing her to support stomach and breasts.

Non-exclusive
Oral sex positions

Oral sex may or may not be penetrative, and is the term given to genital stimulation by the
mouth. People may engage in oral sex as part of foreplay before intercourse, or as, during or
following intercourse. It may also be performed for its own sake, and can be performed
simultaneously (e.g. one partner performs cunnilingus, while the other partner performs fellatio),
or only one partner may perform upon the other; this creates a multitude of variations.[17]

Fellatio

Fellatio

Fellatio is oral sex involving a man's genitals. Possible positions include:

 The man lies on his back while his partner kneels between his legs.
 The man lies on his back while his partner lies off to the side of his legs.
 The man sits in a chair and partner kneels in front of him between his legs.
  The man stands while his partner either kneels in front of him or sits (in a chair or on the edge of
a bed, etc.) and bends forward.
 The man stands while his partner, also standing, bends forward at the waist.
 While the active partner lies on their back, the man assumes the missionary position but
adjusted forward so as to insert his penis in his partner's mouth.
 The man stands or crouches at the edge of the bed, facing the bed. The active partner lies on the
bed with their head hanging over the edge of the bed backward. The man inserts his penis into
his partner's mouth, usually to achieve deep throat penetration, whereby the entire penis
penetrates the mouth opening.
 The man fellates his own penis; see autofellatio
 The active partner (being female) lies on her back, and the man inserts his penis between her
cleavage, and into her mouth.

Cunnilingus

Cunnilingus

Cunnilingus is oral sex involving a woman's genitals. Possible positions include:

 The woman lies on her back as in the missionary position. The active partner lies on their front
between her legs.
 The active partner sits. The woman stands facing away and bends at the hips.
 The active partner sits. The woman stands or squats facing towards partner and may arch her
back, to create further stimulation.
 The active partner lies on their back while the woman kneels with her legs at their sides and her
genitals on their mouth. Humorously popularised in the Monty Python song "Sit On My Face"
(1980).
 The woman services her own genitals. Although rarer, some women still find this possible; see
autofellatio
 The woman stands, possibly bracing herself against a wall. The active partner kneels in front of
her.
 The woman sits on the bed with her legs open, the active partner kneels in front of her.
 The woman is upside-down (standing on hands, held by partner, or using support, such as
bondage or furniture), with the active partner standing or kneeling (depending on elevation) in
front or behind. Such a position may be difficult to achieve, or maintain for extended time
periods, but the rush of blood to the brain can alter stimulation's effect.
  The woman stands on hands, resting each leg on either side of the active partner's head, with
the active partner standing or kneeling facing them. Depending on which way up the woman is
facing, different stimulation and levels of comfort may be available.

Sixty-nine

Male and female in the 69 position

Simultaneous oral sex between two people is called 69. It is called the congress of the crow in
the Kama Sutra. Each partner may be male or female. They can be lying side-by-side, lying one
on top of the other, or standing with one partner holding the other upside down.

Anilingus

Depiction of a woman performing anilingus on another woman.

Positions for anilingus, also known as butt licking, rimming, anal-oral sex, rimjob, or tossing the
salad are often variants on those for genital-oral sex. Rimming-specific positions include:

 The passive partner is on all fours. The active partner is behind them.
 The passive partner is on their back with their legs up.
 The passive partner on top in the Sixty-nine position.
 The Rusty trombone, in which a male is standing while the active partner is both performing
anilingus from behind, generally from a kneeling position, while also masturbating the standing
partner, thus somewhat resembling someone playing the trombone.
Other positions

 Fingering of the vagina or anus.

 Shocker: simultaneous fingering of the vagina and anus using one hand. The index and middle
finger are inserted in the vagina, and the pinky in the anus. A number of variations are possible
by using different combinations of fingers in each orifice. This act figures prominently in the
Story of O: shortly after O's arrival at the Chateau, a man grabs her in this way. O is shocked, but
she learns to accept this and ruder intrusions. Sometimes referred to as "Two in the pink, one in
the stink."
 Female shocker: simultaneously fingering a man's anus with one's thumb while stimulating his
scrotum with the other fingers. This is done by making a shape with the hands as though one
were holding the bowl of a wine glass.
 Fisting: inserting the entire hand into the vagina or anus. This usually requires large amounts of
lubricant and relaxation. The hand is usually not actually made into a fist, but instead the thumb
is placed between the middle and ring fingers. Anal fisting can be extremely dangerous and even
fatal if the hand tears the lining of the intestine. [citation needed]

Non-penetrative positions
Main article: Non-penetrative sex

Non-penetrative sex or frottage—the general term for rubbing one's genitals on one's partner.
This may include the partner's genitals or buttocks. As part of foreplay or to avoid penetrative
sex, people engage in a variety of other non-penetrative sexual behavior, which may or may not
lead to orgasm.

 Mutual Masturbation: The stimulation of the penis in males and the clitoris and/or vagina in
females. Partners simultaneously stimulating each other's genitals by mutual or simultaneous
masturbation, rhythmic inter-genital contact friction or actual penetrative intercourse can lead
to orgasm in one partner or the other (or sometimes simultaneously in both). Same-gender
partners can also stimulate each other's orgasms by the same means.
 Dry humping: frottage while clothed. This act is common, although not essential, in the dance
style known as "grinding".
 Handjob: Manual stimulation of a partner's penis or clitoris
 Footjob: using the feet to stimulate the penis.
 Mammary intercourse: using the breasts together to stimulate the penis through the cleavage.
(Should not be confused with a "boob job" meaning to have augmentive surgery done on the
breasts.) Also called a titjob, titty-fucking, a tit-wank, or a muscle fuck. Several other slang terms
exist.
 Axillary intercourse: with the penis in the armpit.
 Orgasm control: By self or by a partner managing the physical stimulation and sensation
connected with the emotional and physiologic excitement levels. Through the practice of
masturbation an individual can learn to develop control of their own body's orgasmic response
and timing. In partnered stimulation either partner can control their own orgasmic response and
timing. With mutual agreement either partner can similarly learn to control or enhance their
partners orgasmic response and timing. Partner stimulation orgasm techniques referred to as
expanded orgasm, extended orgasm or orgasm control can be learned and practiced for either
 partner to refine their control of the orgasmic response of the other. Partners mutually choose
which is in control or in response to the other.
 Orgasmic meditation,[18] is a mindfulness practice where the object of meditation is conscious
finger to genital contact. "OMing" is practiced in pairs, with one partner, gently holding the
genitals with both hands, and that partner's index finger gently, precisely, slowly stroking the
female’s clitoris specifically and with both parties placing their complete awareness mindfully on
that localized point of contact between them. Both practitioners focus their fullest attention on
their sensitive nerve endings and on their finest muscle control in stroking movement to
develop connective (limbic) resonance between practitioners. The outcome, is not simply
orgasm but interpersonal connection.

The slang term humping may refer to masturbation—thrusting one's genitals against the surface
of non-sexual objects, clothed or unclothed; or it may refer to penetrative sex.

Genital-genital rubbing

Frot

Main articles: Intercrural sex, Frot, and Tribadism

Genital-genital rubbing, sometimes referred to as GG rubbing, is generally understood as sexual

intercourse in a narrower sense, and often among same-sex partners. Sex by mutual genital
rubbing is sometimes grouped with 'frottage'. Other terms like 'non-penetrative sex' or
'outercourse' are also used, although they can be considered heterosexist and misleading by
some.
  Intercrural sex, or interfemoral sex: with the penis between the partner's thighs, perhaps
rubbing the vulva, scrotum or perineum.
 Frot or frottage: two males mutually rubbing penises together.
 Tribadism or tribbing: two females mutually rubbing vulvae together.
 Docking: mutual masturbation by inserting the glans penis into the foreskin of another male's
penis.

Group sex

Oral threesome with one male and two females

Threesome with three females

Édouard-Henri Avril's depiction of a "sandwich"

Double penetration.

Various assemblages of people may participate in group sex. While group sex does not imply
that all participants must be in sexual contact with all others simultaneously, some positions are
only possible with three or more people.

As with the positions listed above, more group sex positions become practical if erotic furniture
is used.

With three participants

When three people have sex with each other, it is called a threesome. Possible ways of having all
partners in sexual contact with each other include:

 One person performs oral sex on either of the other two partners while they engage in anal or
vaginal intercourse. Sometimes called a spit roast
 A man has vaginal or anal sex with one partner, while himself being anally penetrated by
another (possibly with a strap-on dildo).
 Three partners lie or stand in parallel, with one between the other two. Sometimes called a
sandwich. This term may specifically refer to the double penetration of a woman, with one penis
in her anus, and the other in her vagina.
 A participant has vaginal or anal sex with one partner, and both give oral sex to a third.
 Three people perform oral sex in a triangular configuration, commonly called a "daisy chain".
  The slang term Lucky Pierre is sometimes used in reference to the person playing the "middle
role" in a threesome.

With many participants

These positions can be expanded to accommodate any number of participants:

 A group of males masturbating is called a circle jerk.

 A group of males masturbating and ejaculating on one person's face, is known as bukkake.
 A group of men, women, or both, each performing oral sex on the next, is called a daisy chain.
 When one woman or man is given the serial or parallel attention of many, often involving a
queue ("pulling a train"), it is often termed a gangbang (originally exclusively a rape term, but
now used to include consensual group sex).

Multiple penetration

Multiple penetration refers to one person being sexually penetrated several times simultaneously.
It generally involves between two and five participants. Penetration may be accomplished by
fingers, toes, sex toys, or penises. These positions are popular in pornography, but it is difficult
to say whether they enjoy any significant popularity outside of it.

If one person is penetrated by two objects, it is generically called double penetration (sometimes
abbreviated dp). Given the vagina, anus and mouth, there are several ways in which this can be
done. These include:

 Simultaneous penetration of the anus by two penises or other objects. This is commonly called
double anal or double stuffing.
 Simultaneous penetration of the vagina by two penises or other objects. This is commonly called
double vaginal or double stuffing.
 Simultaneous penetration of the vagina and anus. If this is done using penises and/or strap-on
dildos, this is sometimes called the sandwich or BigMac. The shocker (see above) accomplishes
this using several fingers of one hand.
 Simultaneous penetration of the mouth and either the vagina or anus. If the penetrating objects
are penises, this is sometimes called the spit roast.

If one person is penetrated by three objects, it is generically called triple penetration.

Possibilities include:

 Two penises penetrating the vagina and one in the anus or vice versa. While possible, this
position is very difficult.
 One penis in the anus, one in the vagina, and one in the mouth simultaneously, sometimes
called making her airtight or an airtight seal.

Double vaginal, double anal (DVDA) is a hypothetical sexual position from the film Orgazmo
involving quadruple penetration.
These variations of multiple penetration are commonly seen in pornography aimed at straight
men. Some of these positions put two men in intimate contact with each other, either directly or
indirectly.

Effects of physical disabilities and limitations

Different sex positions result in differences in the depth of sexual penetration and the angle of
penetration. Many attempts have been made to categorize sex positions. Alfred Kinsey
categorized six primary positions.[19] But the number of positions that can be used for sex is
essentially limitless.[10] Sex manuals usually present a guide to sex positions.

Some people are limited by physical disabilities in the sex positions which they may use without
pain or other discomfort. Other physical limitations of one or both participants also limit the sex
positions which they may adopt. For example, the spoons position is recommended when either
partner has back problems; the Starfish position is recommended to achieve orgasms more easily
and the missionary position may be uncomfortable for the receiving partner if the weight of the
inserting partner, relative to the receiving partner's, is a problem. Also, the standing positions
may be unsuitable if there is a significant height difference between the participants.

See also
Sexuality portal

 BDSM
 Cybersex
 Human positions
 Kamashastra
 Kama Sutra
 List of sexology topics
 Phone sex
 Sexual norm

References
1. ^ "Sexual Intercourse". Discovery Channel. Archived from the original on 2008-08-22.
http://web.archive.org/web/20080822040701/http://health.discovery.com/centers/sex/sexpedia/interco
urse.html. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
2. ^
http://web.archive.org/web/20080212044220/http://www.canongate.net/Lists/SexLoveAndMarriage/6P
ositionsForSexualIntercourse[dead link]
3. ^ "The Missionary Position". Sexual Health Center.
http://www.colombialink.com/01_INDEX/index_sexualidad/sexuality/sexual_positions/21_missionary_po
sition.html. Retrieved January 31, 2011.
4. ^ Michael R. Solomon, editor (1986). Text and Concordance of Speculum al foderi, Biblioteca
Nacional MS. 3356. ISBN 0-942260-60-0
 5. ^ Michael R. Solomon (1990). The Mirror of coitus  : a translation and edition of the fifteenth-
century Speculum al foderi. Spanish. ISBN 0-940639-48-3
6. ^ Nafzawi, Muhammad ibn Muhammad al, and Jim Colville (trans.). The Perfumed Garden of
Sensual Delight. The Kegan Paul Arabia library, vol. 7. London: Kegan Paul, 1999.
7. ^ a b c d The Perfumed Garden, Shaykh Nefwazi [sic], translated by Sir Richard Francis Burton,
1886. full text available at Internet Sacred Text Archive
8. ^ Comfort, Alex, The Joy of Sex: Fully Revised & Completely Updated for the 21st Century. Crown.
Fully rev. ed., 2002. ISBN 1-4000-4614-9, 256 pages.
9. ^ Westheimer, Ruth K., Sex for Dummies. For Dummies. 2nd ed., 2000. ISBN 0-7645-5302-X, 432
pages.
10. ^ a b Rogiere, Jean, The Little Book of Sex. Ulysses Press. 2001. ISBN 1-56975-305-9.
11. ^ Masters, Johnson (June 1970). Human Sexual Inadequacy (1st ed.). Little Brown and Company.
p. 54. ISBN 0316549851.
12. ^ So Feminine[dead link], Love Machine. Retrieved 24 September 2006.
13. ^ "Kama Sutra – the ancient art of love". Kamasutra-sex.org. http://www.kamasutra-
sex.org/text/. Retrieved 2010-04-19.
14. ^ "Welcome to Sensual Interactive – Your Sensual Resource Network". Sensualinteractive.com.
http://www.sensualinteractive.com. Retrieved 2010-04-19.
15. ^ Hooper, Anne J. (1998). Anne Hooper's Kama Sutra (1st ed.). DK Publishing. ISBN 1-56458-649-
9.
16. ^ "Pregnancy Resource: Comfortable Sex Positions". Pregnancy-info.net. http://www.pregnancy-
info.net/sex_positions.html. Retrieved 2010-04-19.
17. ^ "Oral Sex Positions". Sexinfo101.com. http://www.sexinfo101.com/sp_oralsex.shtml. Retrieved
2010-04-19.
18. ^ William Safire (2009-03-29). "Orgasmic & Orgasmic Meditation". The New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/magazine/29wwln-safire-t.html. Retrieved 2009-05-05.
19. ^ 6 Positions For Sexual Intercourse - In Order Of Popularity - Sex, Love And Marriage - Book of
Lists - Canongate Home

Further reading
Historical

 Kama Sutra
 The Perfumed Garden

Modern

 Comfort, Alex; Quilliam, Susan (2008). The Joy of Sex. London: Mitchell Beazley. ISBN 1-84533-
429-9.
 Gillian, Max, The Illustrated Guide to Extended Massive Orgasm. Hunter House. 1st ed., 2002.
ISBN 0-89793-362-1, 235 pages.
 Hooper, Anne J., Sexopedia. DK Publishing. 1st American ed., 2002. ISBN 0-7894-8958-9, 272
pages.
 Kemper, Alfred M., Love Couches Design Criteria. Los Angeles 1972. Library of Congress #75-
36170, 101 pages—design criteria for assistive furniture, with sections on accommodation of
disabled persons.
  McMeel, Andrews and Lisa Sussman, Sex Positions. Carlton Publishing Group. 2002. ISBN 1-
84222-266-X, 96 pages.
 Nerve.com, Position of the Day Playbook, Sex Every Day in Every Way. Chronicle Books. 2005.
ISBN 0-8118-4701-2, 376 pages.

External links
 Wikimedia Commons has media  related to (category):
 The-Clitoris.com – Positions    
for Intercourse Sex or Sex positions
 Sensualinteractive.com
presents – A list of sexual positions
 The Sex-Position Playbook[dead link] at menshealth.com
 Gallery of 365 sex positions
 Lesbian Sex Positions

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